Versatile Respiratory Protection Device Gains CE Certification

Avon Protection's ST53 Respirator can be used by emergency services personnel for protection against a range of threats and can be used with compressed air with easy switching between positive and negative pressure

Avon Protection has achieved CE certification for its innovative ST53 multi-functional respiratory system. Developed with the unknown elements of a threat scenario in mind, this award cements the ST53's position as the most advanced respiratory solution on the market, and Avon as one of the leading CBRN respiratory manufacturers in the world.

What the ST53 can give you is a selection of respiratory possibilities when in the heat of a threat scenario. To start with, it uses the FM53 mask at its core, due to its ability to switch between negative (filter) and positive (SCBA) pressure at the flick of an easy to locate lever on the front of the mask. With a short (seven or 14 minutes) or long duration (up to approximately 60 minutes) compressed air cylinder attached, it is possible to enter a location on filter mode, assess the situation, and then change to SCBA mode if the need arises without having to leave and change equipment. With a range of accessories available, such as vision correction frames for those wearing glasses, clear, sunlight, laser and blueblocker outserts and voice projection units with internal microphone, the ST53 is the perfect versatile system for building and confined space entry where the threats are unknown.

By adding CE certification to its long list of benefits, Avon have now made the ST53 accessible to a wider audience, including police forces, SWAT teams, Special Forces, private security firms and other civilian establishments. Many of these organisations require CE approval on their personal protective equipment before they will use it. Alongside this, the global terrorist threat being faced today has significantly more unknown and evolving elements to it, meaning those on the frontline need the versatility of this type of specialist equipment to successfully tackle each scenario. Adding CE approval was therefore the logical next step for the ST53 to widen its overall customer base.

Matt Evans, Sales and Marketing Director at Avon Protection, explains: "We have been working very closely with BSI in the last few months to secure CE approval for our next generation of respiratory solutions, the ST53 and the FM53 before it. With terrorist targets becoming more widespread and unpredictable, our customers are demanding CE approval to help them respond effectively. By adding this to the list of benefits you already receive with the ST53, we have a multi-functional system that gives a wider audience the best possible protection, comfort and flexibility when facing an unknown environment."